FAQ

Are there previously monitored locations in your area of interest where you could continue previous monitoring efforts? If so, this is a great way to start monitoring at a location where you can already see trends over time using previously collected data.

Is there a site of particular interest to you or your community? Select a site that will provide valuable information to you or your community members.

Is the sampling location a representative location for the water body being assessed? Select a site that is the most representative of the location of interest.

In order to enter your water quality information into the statewide database, you will need to formally establish your site. Establishing a new site includes submitting Latitude and Longitude coordinates, a GoogleEarth/Mapquest/Yahoo map, or physical directions to the site. Please submit this information via email to txstreamteam@txstate.edu or call 512.245.1346.

Once a site is established, you will receive a Site ID and Site Description. These are required on all data sheets.

Your local Texas Stream Team partner is often a river authority, city department, or watershed planning group. Contact Texas Stream Team for help identifying your local partner.

Establishing a relationship with your local partner is an important part of your monitoring efforts. Through your partner, you can often obtain replacement equipment, report water quality findings, and become engaged in local water management.

Often, your local partner will supply you with replacement supplies at no cost. See the partner page to obtain contact information for your partner. Texas Stream Team can also provide supplies at no cost for your monitoring efforts under certain circumstances. Please contact Texas Stream Team directly at 512.245.1346 if you do not have a local partner or are not sure how to proceed.

A water quality monitor trainer is a certified monitor who has completed the training necessary to lead a TST training session.

The "trainer's training" involves two phases before leading a monitoring training on your own

Assist - Assisting a Certified Trainer at a monitor training session

Training - Leading a monitor training with the assistance of a Certified Trainer.

A Certified Quality Assurance (QA) Officer is a certified monitor who has completed the training necessary to lead Texas Stream Team Quality Control (QC) sessions. More information is available on the Quality Assurance Program page.

The QA Officer training involves two phases

Assist - Assisting a Certified QA Officer at a QC session

Training - Leading a QC session with the assistance of a Certified QA Officer.

To become a Certified Trainer or a Certified Quality Assurance Officer, contact your local lead partner or contact Texas Stream Team. All training forms are available on our Partner Forms and Resources page. Upcoming training event are announced on the Calendar page.

Materials needed for Texas Stream Team Certified Trainers and QA Officers are available on the Forms and Resources page: